Question

Name four contact allergens and describe the symptoms caused.

Accepted Answer

Contact allergy cause reactions on coming in contact with the skin, eyes, nose or mouth. Contact allergies develop gradually over a long period of time, as a result of repeated contact with the substance that triggers them. The body already makes antibodies to fight the trigger allergen the first time it comes into contact with it. This makes the skin react more sensitively to the substance when it comes into contact with it again.

Four contact allergens are :

$1 .$ Products made of natural rubber - In most cases, natural rubber allergy develops after many prior exposures to latex. Symptoms may include stuffy or runny nose, hives, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.The most severe natural rubber allergy can result in anaphylaxis.

$2 .$ Metals such as nickel - People with a nickel allergy begin to develop a skin reaction $12$ to $48$ hours after coming into contact with an item containing nickel. The symptoms of a nickel allergy include blisters, dry patches on the skin that resemble a burn, skin rash or bumps, redness or other changes in skin colour.

$3 .$ Certain types of cloth and wool - Cloth and wool allergy is typically characterised by delayed reactions such as redness, scaling and itchiness. The symptoms may appear within hours or sometimes a reaction may not be seen until days later.

$4 .$ Household cleaners - Symptoms of irritation that can be caused by cleaning products include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, asthma attack, wheezing, skin rash. Ammonia is the Common home cleaning chemical ingredients that can be irritating.

Name four contact allergens and describe the symptoms caused.

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